In today’s modern digital era, a reliable, efficient, and secure network infrastructure forms the foundation of every thriving business. For franchises with a widespread geographic presence and extensive footprint, it is even more essential.
Without a thoughtfully designed network that prioritizes scalability, security, bandwidth, and redundancy, franchises risk becoming fragmented and less effective. This isn’t merely a technical necessity—it’s a strategic imperative that ensures seamless communication, collaboration, productivity, efficiency, and integrity of the franchisor-franchisee relationship.
Three critical network requirements for franchise success
Let’s explore the three key elements of a high-performing network that every successful franchisor needs to prioritize.
- Connectivity: Establishing a strong and dependable primary and backup internet connection to ensure uninterrupted access.
- Security: Safeguarding the connection, devices, data, and applications across all franchise locations to protect against threats.
- Support: Implementing a 24/7 proactive support system with a single point of contact to manage and maintain the entire network infrastructure.
Network Connectivity
Managing a large distributed network is no easy task, especially for franchises with small IT teams and limited resources. This is why many franchisors are relying on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to enhance their in-house IT staff and operations capabilities.
A well-structured network infrastructure improves reliability and enables employees from both franchisor and franchisee locations to seamlessly share resources, access files, and collaborate from any location in the network.
As the franchise grows, so must the network. Network scalability is crucial for expanding operations and adapting to changing business and market needs.
An efficient network also minimizes downtime and disruptions, ensuring franchisors and franchisees can transact every sale (credit, debit, loyalty, inventory control, IoT, etc.), and work without interruption, leading to higher productivity, better customer experiences, and enhanced brand image.
Cost efficiency is high on every franchisor’s priority list. A high-quality network infrastructure can result in long-term savings through lower operational costs, optimized resource usage, and realized revenue from transactions that could have been lost due to network outages.
Last but not least, inherent to all network connections is security. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s essential to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of your IT systems with a robust set of network security tools and solutions.
Network Security
According to Statista, cybercrime incidents are increasing globally, with the U.S. leading as the largest online market. By 2028, the economic impact of cybercrime in the U.S. is expected to soar to $1.82 trillion.
Despite this growing threat, franchise IT teams often face challenges due to limited skills and resources, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. A recent study by the Enterprise Strategy Group found that 71% of organizations are affected by a shortage of cybersecurity skills—a trend that continues to escalate.
To address these challenges, many franchisors are turning to Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services to bolster their security operations. MDR services provide access to a team of experts operating from a remote Security Operations Center (SOC). Using advanced tools, the SOC actively monitors an organization’s cloud services, network traffic, servers, and endpoints; identifies potential security threats; and triggers a response to mitigate risks before they cause harm, with the goal to detect and neutralize threats while preventing similar incidents in the future.
Another smart approach for enhancing security is adopting the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework. SASE proactively prevents cyber threats and simplifies the complex task of managing a network and all its security technologies. Hughes Managed SASE offers a robust cloud-native cybersecurity solution that integrates five key elements: a cloud access security broker, secure web gateways, firewall-as-a-service, zero trust network access, and software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN). This framework provides the easiest way to deploy and manage a security network infrastructure, and ensures the business has the highest level of protection.
IoT (Internet of Things) device security has become a critical issue for franchises, particularly in hospitality, healthcare, retail, and restaurant industries. IoT devices are widely used for a variety of tasks, such as tracking inventory, managing customer orders, and even controlling lighting and temperature. The data these devices handle can be sensitive and include customer information, financial data, and proprietary business information.
Ransomware is another ever-evolving form of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption. They often threaten to sell or leak exfiltrated data or authentication information if the ransom isn’t paid.
According to Statista, in the third quarter of 2024, the average ransom payment for cyberattacks in the United States amounted to over $479,000. Franchises can protect against ransomware by deploying a Ransomware and Zero-Day Prevention solution that can predict when something might be ransomware using sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and prevent it from happening in the first place.
Network Support
To be successful, franchises need to take a proactive stance in keeping their network operating at peak performance. When your network is fully functional and running seamlessly without disruptions, so is your business. By adopting a proactive managed 24x7x365 support system to manage and maintain the entire network infrastructure, franchises can enhance IT efficiency, boost employee productivity, minimize network outages and operational downtime, accelerate issue resolution, and ultimately deliver a better customer experience.
An MSP like Hughes, with deep expertise and a wide range of highly skilled professionals, can augment your existing IT staff by providing not only knowledge, but also valuable resources, capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies to maintain a highly functioning network. Working through a letter of authorization, Hughes can also serve as a single point of contact, removing the challenges and time-consuming aspects of troubleshooting and managing products from multiple vendors.
Another advantage of working with an MSP is centralized management and support of the network. This facilitates seamless data sharing and real-time communication between franchisors and franchisees, and enables franchisors to monitor sales, inventory, and customer feedback more effectively. With this information, franchisors can make data-driven decisions and provide consistent support to franchisees.
Brand reputation also plays a critical role in crafting a network support strategy. A secure and reliable network empowers franchisees to deliver uninterrupted service, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by technical issues or security breaches. When customer trust is compromised, the impact extends across the entire franchise network, affecting all locations.
Equally vital is the trust between franchisors and franchisees. Franchisees depend on the franchisor for operational support and secure systems. A strong network support framework reinforces the franchisor’s commitment to safeguarding their business and supporting their success.
A stronger network leads to a stronger franchise
For franchisors, success depends on delivering a seamless and consistent experience for employees, customers, and the brand across every franchise location. While each franchise has its own unique goals, operational nuances, and networking needs, they all share three fundamental network requirements: connectivity, security, and support.
Hughes brings these essentials together under one roof. With decades of expertise, cutting-edge innovation, and strategic partnerships with hundreds of technology providers, Hughes offers a comprehensive solution to meet every franchise's networking demands. From planning and deployment to operations and 24/7 help desk support, Hughes empowers franchises with the tools and technology to thrive in a competitive landscape. To learn more about how Hughes designs solutions for franchises, please join us at NRF 2025 in New York City at Booth #3250 January 11–14.